Tristan Prettyman – Twentythree (Virgin)

Who knew? It turns out that there is a burgeoning folk and rock subgenre coming out of the Southern California surf scene. First there was Jewel (who, granted, was a transplant), then Switchfoot, a group that values hanging ten as much as Christian Rock. Then came the surprise success of pro surfer Jack Johnson. Now here comes Tristan Prettyman, another attractive surf competitor that just happens to also be able to write a nice, laid-back song.

With a husky voice slightly reminiscent of the Joneses (Norah and Rickie Lee), Prettyman turns out to be a wonderful singer and a very good (acoustic) guitarist. She can merge the tropics and country with the superlative “Always Feel This Way…” The love ballad “Electric…” is stunningly beautiful and moody. A duet with Jason Mraz called “Shy That Way” has a wonderful bossa nova sway. That is followed by a jazzy little boho number called “Please” which feels like something off of Rickie Lee’ debut.

It’s obvious that when she was competing in the waves, Tristan Prettyman spent as much time by a beach campfire singing with an old six-string. Twentythree is a lovely collection of quietly powerful tunes for when you’re in a contemplative mood. With any luck, it could become an out-of-the-box hit like Come Away With Me was a couple of years ago. Surfing’s loss is our gain. (9/05)

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright © 2005 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: October 23, 2005.